MERCAPTOETHYLAMINE Meaning and
Definition
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Mercaptoethylamine is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H7NS. It belongs to the class of compounds known as mercaptans, which are characterized by the presence of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. Also sometimes called 2-mercaptoethylamine or beta-mercaptoethylamine, this compound is derived from ethylamine through the substitution of a hydrogen atom by a thiol (-SH) group.
Mercaptoethylamine is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It possesses a relatively low boiling point and is highly soluble in water. This compound is primarily used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, particularly those involved in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and as coenzymes. It is also employed as a corrosion inhibitor in the petroleum industry to prevent the degradation of metal equipment.
In terms of its biological functions, mercaptoethylamine plays a crucial role in the metabolism of certain amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine, by contributing to the synthesis of glutathione. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and is essential for proper cellular function, as it helps protect the cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
Mercaptoethylamine is considered mildly toxic and should be handled with caution. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon exposure.
Common Misspellings for MERCAPTOETHYLAMINE
- Mercaptoethylaming
- mercaptoethylambine
- mercaptwoethylamine
- m ercaptoethylamine
- me rcaptoethylamine
- mer captoethylamine
- merc aptoethylamine
- mercapt oethylamine
- mercapto ethylamine
- mercaptoe thylamine
- mercaptoet hylamine
- mercaptoeth ylamine
- mercaptoethy lamine
- mercaptoethyl amine
- mercaptoethyla mine
- mercaptoethylam ine
- mercaptoethylami ne
- mercaptoethylamin e
Etymology of MERCAPTOETHYLAMINE
The word "Mercaptoethylamine" has a compound etymology.
The first part, "mercapto", is derived from the Latin word "mercurius", which means "mercury" and is used in chemistry to refer to sulfur-containing compounds. In this context, "mercapto" indicates the presence of a thiol functional group (-SH), which contains a sulfur atom.
The second part, "ethylamine", derives from the combination of "ethyl" and "amine". "Ethyl" refers to a two-carbon alkyl group, while "amine" is derived from the Latin word "ammonia", indicating a compound with a nitrogen atom attached to at least one hydrogen atom.
